If there isn't a pecan pie on the table you may as well order out for Chinese

Yes indeed! OJ, that silly stuff about time zones and gasoline taxes, all of it, is forgiven!

FA-ra-ra-ra-ra Ra-ra-ra-ra!

I only eat the top of the pecan pie, the goo-ey inside is too sweet. Still is a must for any Thanksgiving meal.

A must, no. Pumpkin pie is a must. Pecan pie is optional.

You are all wrong! Blueberry pie is the must-have holiday dessert.

a hybrid pumpkin/pecan pie, though blasphemy itself, would be ideal; it would be most patriotic to use the revenues from OJ's gas tax hikes to fund research into this vital area; we are yet a new country, and there is time to consider these tweaks to our traditions

Totally agree on the pecan pie. Only for Thanksgiving and Christmas but worth the "weight."

Tips for the DIY pumpkin pie people:

Cook the puree in a pan for a few minutes along with spices and sugar. The cooking (fancy name = "pince") will remove any tinny canned taste.

Pulse for a few moments in the food processor and then add rest if ingredients to mix. The processing will break down the fibers.

If you got em, process some ginger snaps and pecans until fairly fine. Press these gently into the bottom of the crust. Will add flavor and also help keep the bottom of the crust from getting too moist.

Bake your pies in the lowest part of the oven in a clear Pyrex pan so you can see how the crust is browning. Bottom heat is your friend for open pies.

Above courtesy of various RL Beranbaum cookbooks.

You can keep you pecan pie, but there better be granny smiths in that apple!

Mince.

Pecan pie rules. Period. My wife makes a wicked good pie w/ a bit of fine, KY bourbon in it.

Pumpkin pie, like shredded coconut or carrot cake, is something I wish I could bring myself to enjoy. It LOOKS so good and everybody seems to like it. I give it my very best try, every other year or so -- but it's always the same. It's basically eating something that somebody invented so they wouldn't have to feel guilty about throwing away giant orange gourds.

Pumpkin Pie and Apple pie. Pecan pie is a southern thing, and not as good for you as the Pumpkin and Apple pies.

Robert: as if we're eating pie because it's "good" for us?

Apple pie served with sharp cheddar cheese is my favorite. When made to my liking the pie has a trace of tartness.

Rick T, thanks for the tip to bake open pies in the bottom of the oven.

We've taken to watching Alton (sp?) Brown's, "Good Eats" on the Cooking Channel. His show is very enjoyable, funny and informative. I've been cooking (retired) for many years and learn something from each of his shows.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Same to you, erp, and to all the rest around here.

It's Apple, Pumpkin (from scratch) and Mince for me for the holidays ... and with the exception of Blueberry season, Apple is always numero one, especially when I have pie for breakfast ... ayuh; that's New England.

There is only one pie for Thanksgiving. Pumpkin. The reason is all of the pumpkins left over from Halloween. Some of you people need to be sent to Pie Reeducation School. I'm trying my hardest to polish off an apple pie right now, so I'll have room for the American Pumpkin Pie. God bless the Pilgrims. And God bless each and every one of you, on this wonderful holiday.

Don't like pie.

Spicecake instead.

"Robert: as if we're eating pie because it's "good" for us?"

you betcha.It's the best reason.

BTW: If you want something to go with the pie and you live near Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lexington, or Louisville, go to Graeter's Ice Cream and buy some of their Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream or Cinnamon Ice Cream. It's too late to order it for delivery before thanks giving, but check out their web-site.

My beloved sister-in-law makes, hands down, the worlds best pecan pie. Unfortunately she won't share, even with me, the recipe.
I have, however, from deep internet searches, come up with what I feel is a pecan pie to rival hers. Too bad a comment thread doesn't allow that large a post. Hint, as with all pies, it's the crust!
But, I will share the fact that a really good Madeira wine is by far the supreme accompaniment to a Pecan Pie.
Mike

Mike,

People who don't share recipes with friends and family come low on the totem for me. Unless there's some monetary incentive, like avoiding industrial spies, then there's only the incentive that adoration and praise gives. That's terrible! It's passive agressive as well.

Mmmm, Chinese. A nice walnut chicken (with cisp vegetables) or some black pepper beef with broccoli and snow peas. Hot and sour soup and an egg roll just so. Can't beat it.